### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maʻăqeh**, represented by `{{H4624}}`, is defined as a **battlement** or parapet. It comes from an unused root that means to repress. This term is exceptionally specific, appearing just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the scriptures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single occurrence of `{{H4624}}` is found in a direct command within the law in [[Deuteronomy 22:8]]. The verse instructs that when one builds (**`{{H1129}}`**) a new (**`{{H2319}}`**) house (**`{{H1004}}`**), they must make (**`{{H6213}}`**) a **battlement** for the roof (**`{{H1406}}`**). The explicit reason is to prevent bringing (**`{{H7760}}`**) **blood** (**`{{H1818}}`**) upon the house if a person should fall (**`{{H5307}}`**) from the rooftop.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the importance of this command:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This is the structure that requires the **battlement**. While the command concerns a physical dwelling, **house** is also used more broadly to refer to a family [[Joshua 24:15]] or God's temple [[Psalms 27:4]].
* `{{H1406}}` **gâg** (roof): The specific location for the **battlement**. Rooftops were active parts of a home, used for walking [[2 Samuel 11:2]], storage [[Joshua 2:6]], and at times, idolatrous worship [[Jeremiah 19:13]], making them areas of potential danger.
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): This is the consequence the **battlement** is designed to prevent. The command aims to avoid **blood** guilt, a concept of great significance that denotes responsibility for a life [[Ezekiel 3:18]] and is central to the covenant [[Exodus 24:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4624}}` is derived entirely from its practical application in the law.
* **Proactive Responsibility:** The requirement for a **battlement** establishes the principle of foresight and personal responsibility for the safety of others. It moves beyond punishment for harm and legislates the prevention of it, ensuring one does not become guilty of shedding **blood** [[Deuteronomy 22:8]].
* **Sanctity of Life:** By mandating a specific architectural feature to prevent a fatal fall (**`{{H5307}}`**), the law demonstrates the high value placed on human life. Protecting against the shedding of innocent **blood** (**`{{H1818}}`**) is a tangible expression of this principle [[Leviticus 17:11]].
* **Applied Righteousness:** The instruction provides a clear example of how God's law is to be integrated into everyday life. Building (**`{{H1129}}`**) a **house** (**`{{H1004}}`**) is a common task, and this law attaches a moral and spiritual duty to the physical act of construction.
### Summary
In summary, **maʻăqeh** `{{H4624}}` is more than just a rare architectural term. Its singular appearance in [[Deuteronomy 22:8]] provides a profound lesson on the practical nature of righteousness. The command for a **battlement** highlights core biblical themes of personal responsibility, the sanctity of human life, and the application of divine principles to the most common aspects of daily living.
TRV